Labubu dolls made up 90% of fake toys seized at UK border

Labubu dolls made up 90% of the £3.5m price of faux toys seized on the UK border thus far this 12 months, in keeping with Dwelling Workplace information.Labubu is a unusual monster character created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, and popularised by means of a collaboration with toy retailer Pop Mart.Though they’re primarily marketed as grownup collectibles and style equipment, with some even stating they’re solely appropriate for these over 15 on the field, they’re highly regarded with younger folks and youngsters.However practically three in 4 seized toys failed security exams, with the “harmful fakes” being discovered with dangerous chemical substances or choking hazards in keeping with the Mental Property Workplace (IPO).A brand new marketing campaign from the IPO known as Faux Toys, Actual Harms is aiming to spotlight the hazards of shopping for counterfeit gadgets.The IPO discovered seven in ten pretend toy consumers are motivated by value, and simply 27% cited security as a purchase order consideration.Uncommon editions of actual Labubus can can promote for tons of of kilos on resale websites.Demand for the restricted toys grew to become so nice that Pop Mart paused gross sales in all its 16 UK outlets in Could following experiences of consumers combating over them. The toys at the moment are offered by means of an internet lottery system.Of the 259,000 pretend toys seized by the IPO in 2025, 236,000 have been counterfeit Labubus.Almost half of people that bought pretend toys reported issues, the federal government physique additionally discovered.Points vary from toys breaking nearly immediately to unsafe labelling, poisonous smells and even experiences of sickness in kids.The IPO’s deputy director of enforcement, Helen Barnham stated: “These merchandise have bypassed each security test the legislation requires, which is why we’re working with our companions to maintain these harmful fakes out of UK properties.”She added: “Little one security should come first, so we’re urging dad and mom – please do not let your baby be the tester.”The IPO careworn that consultants are warning the Labubu pattern “is simply the tip of the iceberg.”It warned that counterfeiting criminals goal a variety of common toys and it is necessary to be vigilant and conscious of what you’re buying.